There's a huge difference between morality and religion. Our country was founded by moral people and people with faith in Gf however have standards and that meaning they stood for something. Today, most in government will fall for anything because they stand for nothing. A Godlesss nation will fall into chaos because without God there is only self. With only self in control, there can only be selfishness.

It's a very good question. Obviously, as one of the religions brought over with our ancestors, it makes sense that it would have rooted early. But there was a definite rise in its importance over the years. For example, "Under God" and "In God We Trust" were both mottos that were adopted long after the founding of our country.

And, despite claims of the founders basing this country on Christian values, they are the architects of church/state separation. So, clearly, the obsession came later. I know that there was a rise to separate Americans from communists during the cold war. And there was also likely a rise during the world wars, since all one could do was pray for the survival of loved ones.

But, I honestly think that the debate has gotten more fierce in recent years because alternatives are more readily available. The U.S. has often been a pioneer of new sciences and technologies. Through our past we have rabidly sought answers in the name of progress. But it seems to have reached a tipping point where suddenly we're debating what should be in school text books. No longer is it about the pursuit of answers and facts, but rather teaching the controversy. This is spurred by a floundering education system that we can't seem to correct.

In other words, our country's pursuit of knowledge has led us away from a religion that is, for all intents and purposes, our 'default'. And those who are religious have two options. To either embrace the new information, and adapt their belief, or dig in their heels and fight back. It's not a pretty sight, but ultimately, that which adapts has the best chance of survival.

Religion is a cultural, social, and belief system for Evangelical Christians. So they keep proselytizing new members and hang onto their children And so the political sets the mind frame for political involvement. Other religious groups, according to PEW research, are in decline because of a lack of a deep cultural foundation and, therefore less involved politically...and don't feel under attack, i.e. by fear of Muslims.

Why IS religion a big factor in American society and culture as opposed to other postmodern Westernnations who eschew religion as an outmoded, atavistic concept which gets in the way of progress and continual human...

With the recent decisions by the Supreme Court, are we losing the fabric that once made up the U.S.?Changing laws to fit decisions, deciding that homosexuals can marry, getting rid of the Ten Commandments...